'Thomas Mapfumo is a desperate attention-seeker'

CRITICS and observers have rapped United States-based singer Thomas "Mukanya" Mapfumo over his statements that he wants to meet President Mugabe, describing the Chimurenga music guru as a desperate attention-seeker.

It is understood that the dreadlocked musician who has been in self-imposed exile for over a decade in the United States wants to come back home to regain lost glory as his music fortunes and popularity have dwindled rapidly.

However, his return faces potential hurdles as he is implicated in car theft and fears the police might swoop on him upon his arrival.

To possibly curtail the possibility, Mapfumo, who for long has been claiming political persecution, is now turning to the highest office in the land for some kind of "amnesty", but this has not gone down well with analysts and critics.

"Mukanya shouldn't trivialise issues. What has the President got to do with piracy? There are other pressing national issues which demand his attention rather than piracy," Mark Dotito posted on his Facebook page.

"Maybe that's his way of trying to extend his stay in the US. Does he've a Green Card, if not, he should sort out his mess. If he's home sick, then why doesn't he do the right thing and make sure his papers are in order," Sylvester Muungani said.

"Mapfumo was in Zimbabwe when he had his football team, Sporting Lions. I don't think he was ever harassed or persecuted. The singer should focus on clearing his name on the shoddy car deals, than try to drag the President into petty issues," Nakai Nehoreka said.

Rodrick Mutemagano said: "The last time Mukanya was here, he failed to attract huge crowds and I don't think he has the moral ground to seek audience with President Mugabe."

The critics were particularly incensed by the fact that Mukanya wanted to be the spokesperson for Zimbabweans.

"The people are tired and it's time to unite and build our country. We need unity within the government itself and politicians ought to lead by example," Mapfumo said.

Oddly enough, Mukanya does not say which people and what they are tired of in his statement.

"Mukanya should know that it wasn't the President who sent him to the US. When he talks about people, which people is he talking about and what are they tired of.

"For once, Mukanya must tell the nation and the world at large where his beef is," Susan Chirenje said.

"Why would Mapfumo want to talk to President Mugabe. Mapfumo is a small fly to warrant Robert Mugabe's attention. Did he bid farewell to President Mugabe in the first place when he left? This is cheap attention seeking," said Manatsa Chirinda.

"So this is his latest trick to create hype around his upcoming album. He is just someone rebelious," Innocent Mugwaku said.

Mukanya failed to release his new album Danger Zone last year except for two singles Hatidi Politics and Shabeen, a remake of his old classic of the same title.

There is no denying the fact that his popularity is on the wane after he attracted a paltry crowd during his tour of South Africa last year. The Messina gig was a monumental flop for an artiste as big as Mukanya after it attracted less than 100 revellers.